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Requirements for the Major: The major requires the completion of ten semester courses, totaling forty (40) credit hours.  These courses shall be comprised of SWG prefix courses and department-based courses chosen from a list of possibilities compiled yearly by the Program for the Study of Women and Gender.  All Smith courses that might be considered for major credit are listed on the SWG website, www.smith.edu/swg.  Requirements include:

  1. SWG 150 Introduction to the Study of Women and Gender, normally taken in the first or second year, and which may not be elected S/U
  2. One Queer Studies course. (SWG 100, among others, fulfills this requirement.)
  3. Beginning with the class of 2007, two (2) courses in the concentration in Women, Race and Culture, one course each on U.S. and international topics.
  4. Three courses in one of the following six concentrations.   One of these courses must be at the 300 level:
    1. forms of literary or artistic expression {L/A}
    2. historical perspectives {H}
    3. forms of political/social/economic thought/action/organization {S}
    4. modes of scientific inquiry {N/M}
    5. queer studies
    6. women, race and culture
  5. Three courses with the SWG prefix, one at the 300 level.*
  6. Two additional 300 level courses, in area of concentration or electives in the Program.

* Courses satisfying this requirement may include those listed in 1, 2, or 3 above

Transfer students are expected to complete at least half of their major (or 5 courses) at Smith (or approved Five College courses).

Students with double majors may count a maximum of three courses toward both majors.

In the senior year, a student will complete a statement reflecting on the connections among the courses in her major, and identifying what questions have been the most important to her. The senior statement and SWG advising checklist are due to the faculty adviser by the Friday prior to Spring break (or the Friday prior to Fall break for 'J grads.

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Requirements for the Minor in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender: In consultation with an adviser from the Study of Women and Gender program committee, a student will select six approved courses (or a total of 24 credits) in the Program.   The courses must include:

  1. SWG 150 Introduction to the Study of Women and Gender, normally taken in the first or second year, and which may not be elected S/U.
  2. One Queer Studies course.
  3. One Women, Race and Culture course.
  4. Three additional courses in the Program.

Minors are strongly encouraged to elect at least one course at the 300 level.

Advising: All members of the Program Committee for the Study of Women and Gender serve as advisers for the major and minor.

Honors [SWG 430D] : The honors program in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender consists of an 8-credit honors thesis and a public presentation of its major insights and implications, in addition to the 10 courses in the major and fulfilling all the general requirements.  Eligibility requirement for honors work, and supervision and evaluation of the thesis are determined by the Program Committee for the Study of Women and Gender as described in the complete guidelines. Honors Director: Susan Van Dyne.

Special Studies: For qualified juniors and seniors. Offered both semesters each year. 1 to 4 credits. Admission by permission of the instructor and director of the program. No more than 4 special studies credits may be taken in any academic year and no more than 8 special studies credits total may applied toward the major.